NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (NID)

Current Conditions at KNID

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field, 1 Administration Cir, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field
ICAO Code	KNID
IATA Code	NID
FAA Identifier	NID
Address	1 Administration Cir, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Elevation	2,283 ft MSL
Coordinates	35.6854° N, 117.6922° W
Owner / Operator	U.S. Navy
Phone	+1-760-939-9011
FAA Data	AirNav NID

Operations & Facilities
Runways	02/20: 13,500 ft (Concrete) 10/28: 10,001 ft (Concrete)
FBOs	NAWS China Lake
Customs	No
Fuel	Jet-A (military)
Hours	24/7
Approaches	ILS Cat I, RNAV, VOR, Visual
Tower / Freq	127.2
Annual Operations	10,000+

Airport Overview

The Ridgecrest, CA region is served by NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (KNID), a public-use airport at 2,283 feet elevation. The airfield offers 2 runway(s) — 0 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Operators and private travelers use NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KNID.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (KNID) connects Ridgecrest to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 2,283 ft MSL with 13500-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a CA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Ridgecrest to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KNID for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

With 13500 feet of runway, NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field accommodates the full spectrum of business aviation aircraft. Light jets, midsize jets, super-mids, and heavy jets (including Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ) can operate from KNID under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Ridgecrest. Holiday weekends, major events, and seasonal migration patterns drive demand. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead of peak periods secures better aircraft selection and pricing from KNID. Last-minute charter is possible but typically costs 15 to 30% more due to limited positioning options.

What to Know Before You Fly

Weather at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field affects scheduling reliability. IFR-equipped aircraft and instrument-rated crews fly in most weather conditions, but low ceilings, thunderstorms, and winter ice can delay departures. Flexible scheduling improves reliability. Morning departures generally encounter better weather than afternoon flights, particularly during convective season.

Safety & Planning

Instrument approach availability at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If KNID has limited approach options, weather alternate planning becomes critical. The Jet Finder identifies suitable alternate airports and factors this into flight planning for charter from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field over a larger commercial hub near Ridgecrest often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like KNID eliminate terminal congestion, commercial airline scheduling, and the 90-minute early arrival buffer. The net time savings on a typical trip can exceed three hours each direction.

Seasonal Factors

Seasonal demand patterns affect charter availability and pricing from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) see 40 to 60% price increases due to demand spikes. Summer leisure travel and winter ski season create directional imbalances that generate empty leg opportunities. Planning around these patterns saves significantly on charter from KNID.

Location & Address

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field is positioned at coordinates 35.6854° N, -117.6922° W, at 2,283 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KNID to Ridgecrest proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

At 0 feet, NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field's runway accommodates piston singles and light turboprops. Jet operations are not practical at this field length. Pilots flying larger aircraft should plan for a nearby airport with more runway.

FBOs & Ground Services

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field offers ground handling through its on-airport service provider. Fuel availability, hangar space, and passenger amenities should be confirmed prior to arrival. The Ridgecrest area may have limited FBO options compared to larger metropolitan airports.

Charter a Jet from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field

Departing Ridgecrest by private jet means using NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (KNID) instead of fighting commercial terminals. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to KNID's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from KNID

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KNID's runway and facilities.

Weather & Operations

Regional climate patterns apply.

Landing Fee Estimates

No landing fees at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. This airport does not charge landing fees for general aviation traffic.

Fuel Availability at NID

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field provides 100LL avgas. Jet-A fuel is not available at this field. For Jet-A, the nearest options are Inyokern (IYK) and Edwards AFB (EDW).

Aircraft Registered in RIDGECREST (44)

44 aircraft are registered to owners in RIDGECREST, CA according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. Showing 20 of 44. Track live flights from NID →

N1160S

SCHWEIZER SGS 1-34

N1168B

MOONEY M20J · 1982

N121WT

SCHLEICHER ASK-21 · 1991

N126LJ

AS+ LTD AC 4 · 1999

N15573

PIPER PA-28-140 · 1972

N1562X

PIPER PA-28R-200 · 1975

N1574D

CESSNA 195 · 1952

N1653Q

CESSNA 150L

N2793T

BEECH V35 · 1967

N292A

BEECH 65-90 · 1966

N303SL

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 7GCBC · 1994

N3091C

ZAUTNER GEORGE W KITFOX III · 1993

N3653B

BEECH C-50 · 1954

N4072W

PIPER PA-32-300 · 1966

N4099N

MOONEY M20F

N413H

HELMICK HP-11A · 1971

N45488

LUSCOMBE 8A · 1946

N4632J

PIPER PA-28R-180 · 1968

N46MR

CESSNA T210L · 1975

N51EZ

SPENCER GARY/CHARLENE LONG EZE · 1986

Regional Aviation Context

California has more registered aircraft than any other state. The state's GA infrastructure ranges from backcountry strips in the Sierra Nevada to the busiest GA airport in the world at Van Nuys.

Operational Considerations

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field's 2,283-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 4,083 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 0-foot runway provides approximately 0 feet of effective sea-level performance.

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field's temperate latitude produces generally favorable flying conditions with seasonal variation. Winter brings frontal passages that can drop ceilings to IFR minimums for 24-48 hour periods. Freezing precipitation is possible but less persistent than at higher latitudes. Summer convective activity peaks in late afternoon — morning departures typically encounter smoother, clearer conditions. Year-round instrument currency is recommended for reliable scheduling.

Two runways at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field provide crosswind flexibility. When the primary runway's crosswind component exceeds aircraft limitations, the secondary runway typically offers a more favorable alignment. Runway selection should account for wind, obstacle clearance, and any published procedures.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Inyokern Airport

KIYK · 7 NM from KNID

Trona Airport

KL72 · 19 NM from KNID

California City Municipal Airport

KL71 · 36 NM from KNID

Kern Valley Airport

KL05 · 36 NM from KNID

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field is KNID. The FAA designator is also KNID. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

Located in Ridgecrest, CA, NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field has coordinates of 35.6854° N, 117.6922° W. Airport elevation: 2,283 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field operates 2 runway(s). 02/20 is the longest at 0 feet on Concrete. Aircraft performance planning should account for field elevation of 2,283 feet.

KNID supports private jet operations. The 0-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

For FBO information at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field, visit airnav.com/airport/KNID or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Field elevation at KNID: 2,283 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field.

Approach procedures at KNID are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (KNID). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KNID's runway and facilities.

Aircraft suitability at KNID depends on the 0-foot runway. Standard GA traffic — pistons, turboprops, light jets — operates without special considerations. Larger aircraft should confirm runway adequacy before flight planning.

NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field's tower status and radio frequencies are published in the Airport/Facility Directory. AirNav (airnav.com/airport/KNID) also lists current frequency assignments.

Fuel types and pricing at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field are subject to change. Contact the airport or its FBO for current Jet-A and 100LL availability. AirNav lists recent fuel prices reported by pilots.

Flying internationally from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether KNID has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Current conditions at KNID: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field is subject to CA's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

KNID provides access to Ridgecrest, CA. Ground transfer time from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Parking options at KNID include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match KNID's runway to the right aircraft.

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NAWS China Lake – Armitage Field (KNID)